Joy Academy of Music is having a Spring Recital at 6:30pm on Sunday, May 20th at San Pedro Presbyterian Church (14900 San Pedro; see below for directions). Bring family and friends and enjoy some great music in many different styles, as well as the debut performance of the new All Keyboard Rock Band, "Children of the Chord"! Dress is casual. PLEASE SHOW UP AT 6:15pm AND BE SURE TO BRING THE MUSIC FOR THE SONG YOU ARE PERFORMING. Even if you are not performing this time around, come on out and hear some new songs to get inspired! We will be in the big main octagonal building in the "Fellowship Hall". Park anywhere that isn't covered parking (because that belongs to the office complex next door).

Sometimes people are confused about whether to take private lessons or group lessons. The benefits of learning piano in a group are often under estimated. There are many situations where group lessons are the best option. If you are looking for piano lessons in San Antonio, Joy Academy of Music gives you lots of options to find the perfect music lesson for you. You can weigh, balance, and then decide on your own.

In private piano lessons, the social factor is missing from the scene. Students practice alone, play at lessons alone, and play recitals alone. There is so much more that can be learned while playing piano in a group. There are many activities that take place in group lessons which are impossible to incorporate in private lessons. Learning ensemble pieces can be done only in group classes. Group music classes are often more lively and exciting. Especially if you are a beginner, group lessons are a lot more fun! Private lessons are usually only best if you are self-motivated and want to learn something very specific, like jazz piano or improvisation for example.

Motivation to learn is built in to group classes. The students tend to practice more since they do not want to lag behind other students. In private lessons, students progress at their own rate, which is usually slower than in a group. In group lessons, students progress at the rate of the fastest student. The students also learn the benefits of working as a team. It is also often less intimidating for students because the class works together and help each other to achieve their musical goals .

Sometimes children and adults quit before they truly learn to play the piano. The need at such time is to help the beginner learn it the fun way. I have found that when students have fun, they WANT to practice. At Joy Academy of Music, kids and adults have fun learning. Sometimes the social element which comes from group classes is the missing link which helps students to have more fun. Think of sports. The reason most people enjoy sports is because of the feeling of comradery that comes from being a part of something larger than yourself, and working together to achieve a common goal.

Many parents face the problem of their children being too shy to perform in front of other people. Learning in group lessons can help in a great way. When children learn along other students regularly this shyness and low confidence leaves them as they make progress. They no longer remain timid about playing out loud for people because they do it every week. Brimming with confidence, they learn they can perform in front of others and take pride in showing others what they can do, sharing their love of music. I truly believe music is a language and as such is meant to be communicated and shared. Group lessons help students to achieve this goal.

Here's a great show piece that is fun to play. When you take piano lessons, you always want to have a few pieces in your repertoire that you can pull out at a moment's notice to impress your friends! This is a great song by C.P.E. Bach called "Solfeggio". C.P.E. Bach was the most famous son of J.S. Bach, who had 20 kids! For more information on piano or saxophone lessons at the Joy Academy of Music, call (210)268-8373. Come try a free lesson!